Description

Immediate dispatch from Somerset. Nice older book in good condition. Pages in good condition. No notes or highlighting. See images. Fantastic book.

About the book >.>.> A SLEEPER IS AN object normally a picture that passes unrecog- nised through an auction room into the ownership of a buyer who realises its true identity and real value. As most works of art make their first appearance in the market place at auction this is not an uncommon phenomenon. Almost all of the stories in this book revolve around auctions and it may be that the reader will form the impression that a certain degree of incompet- ence exists amongst those who write the catalogues. This is very rarely the case. An extremely high level of expertise exists in the London and New York auction houses as well as among many of the country auctioneers – an annoying amount in fact for the opportunity-hunting dealer. Although errors do sometimes occur for the most part experts will spot the potential of a piece and come up with a correct attribution and estimation of value. In some respects this is a remarkable testament to the abilities of those who under great pressure of time have to sort through many hundreds of items a week as well as offering constant judgements to the general public on pictures over the counter’ and elsewhere. (SP)